“These are considered as ‘arms’ under HK law and you can be arrested if you don’t have a license to carry them, even if they’re inside your checked-in luggage,” Saret said in an interview.

“We get at least two Filipinos arrested every month at the airport. This is because, even if you’re just transitting through HK, your luggage would still be checked,” he said. “And if they find the prohibited ‘arms’ in your hand-carry or your checked-in luggage, you’ll be arrested,”

According to PCG records, a total of 30 Filipinos, mostly transiting HK, were arrested for this offense last year.

“The Philippine Consulate General reiterates its warning to all Filipino travelers transiting or entering Hong Kong as visitors, workers, or as residents to refrain from bringing in restricted items, particularly stunning devices, in their hand-carried or checked-in luggage,” the PCG said in an advisory on August 5.

It said stun guns, pepper spray, tear gas, extendible batons, flick knives, and knuckledusters are restricted under Hong Kong’s Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance. Those convicted face a fine of HK$100,000 and a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.

“The Hong Kong authorities are strict with the enforcement of the said ordinance. All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening in the airport terminals,” the PCG said.